25 Things to do by 25

“And in the end it’s not the years in your life that counts, it’s the life in your years” – Abraham Lincoln

There are so many things I want to do, see and experience it’s difficult to know where to start! I have a general Bucket List (which I may upload in parts soon) but I recently made this list. 25 Things to do By 25. Basically, everything I would like to achieve before or during the year of my 25th birthday.

Let’s get straight into this!

1. Go to Iceland
For reasons I wasn’t entirely sure I’d always wanted to go to Rome. I wanted to learn and experience the culture, the food, the history, the people – everything! In 2014 I did and it was incredible, so much so I went back the next year!
I would love to go back but now I have a new travel aspiration. I’ve researched Iceland and there seems to be so many fun activities to do while being out there. Plus I would love to see the Northern Lights and, for some reason, I want to do that in Iceland.

2. Travel Italy by Train
Now I’ve done Rome I want to do the rest of Italy (and Rome again because the Trevi Fountain was being worked on both times I was out there!).
There are so many places to see in Italy i.e. Rome, Milan, Venice, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Positano, Pisa and so many more!
While I was out there the second time I was fortunate enough to venture to Amalfi and Pompeii. While Amalfi was gorgeous and I highly recommend you visit, Pompeii was fascinating! We toured with a guide who informed us of what life was like back then, training, the local places for food, drink, entertainment and just the history – it was definitely a highlight of the trip.
The person driving to Amalfi told us that there’s a saying in Italy which is “All roads lead to Rome” which interested me greatly. I’ve since heard that it is very easy to travel Italy by train for this reason and therefore seems like a perfect method of travel for my journey.

3. Publish (or Self-Publish) my first novel
I’ve been working on my novel for a long time. I first struck inspiration when I was about 14-15 writing a fanfiction on a site I regularly uploaded to. Since then I’d be trying to form ideas. When I was 18 I started putting some ideas onto paper and finally at the age of 20 I started writing the actual book. It’s been a stop-start sort of journey, frustrating – but then life must be lived however, I would love to be able to finish and publish it before I’m 25. That would be an achievement! I’m thinking that uploading chapters here regularly may help with this goal.

4. Become fluent in Greek
Since I was young I’ve always wanted to be fluent in Greek. This is mostly due to being part Greek/Cypriot and growing up around the language, culture, history etc.
I learned a little at Greek school, and from those around me however, I would love to be fluent. I know enough to get by when I’m in Cyprus, Crete, Greece etc. but even just knowing another language would be incredible. I would start out with Greek and once learned possibly move onto Italian. I tried to learn a little while I was out there and found that it was very similar to Greek (so much so I kept having to pause before responding in Italian as I kept trying to answer in Greek!).

5. Learn a Musical Instrument
How amazing would it be to be able to play the guitar, piano, any instrument? Or even to read sheet music! These are things I cannot do but would love to learn. I’ve never been very musically inclined but what’s the harm in trying? If you reading this can read sheet music then I applaud you because to me that is like learning another language!

6. Go Camping
The closest I’ve ever been to camping is being outside with a tent in my friends back garden. Now that night was a lot of fun (though was rudely awakened by her cat scratching me so I had claw marks down my arm, yet somehow not a scratch was left on the tent!) but I would love to try camping for real. Only for a couple of days or something to get me started as I wouldn’t have a clue what to do but it’s something I’d like to experience.

7. Get Passionate about a Cause
Recently I kept hearing about Yulin Festival again, this seems like something that I could get really passionate about – I hate it and it needs to be abolished. Now I am quite sensitive and have researched and seen all sorts of images however, if you don’t know what it is and want to research it I should warn you, and I hate to use this saying, but it’s probably not for the faint heart.
As I say there are so many causes and, though you don’t have to choose just one, it’s hard to find that one to get you started as there are so many causes and injustices etc. which are in great need of our attention.

I think this also appeals to me because could you imagine throwing your weight behind a cause, something you’re really passionate about, and actually making a difference to the world? Doing something that, again excuse the overused expression, could actually make the world a better place to live? That would be incredible.

8. Volunteer (Local / Abroad)
Again, this is similar to the above however, I think of the above more like raising awareness and campaigning. Volunteering I see as going somewhere, either local or abroad, and making a direct difference to a persons, animals etc. lives. You’d get to work with people personally and help them, be there for them, perhaps even help create a better life, environment so they can have the quality of life they deserve.
If you’re interested but there isn’t a lot in the local area (I need to research myself but I can see that happening) you could go to your local charity shop/salvation army etc. they may need staff to help out every once in a while.

If you’re, again, like me and work full-time but also want to try and make a difference perhaps try and organise something yourself. I remember when we were kids we used to do bake sales and the money went to charity. Where I work there is sometimes things like that going on but on a larger scale and colleagues can put whatever they like in, they get a sweet treat and you get to decide which charity that money is donated to. (If you do this it might be an idea to speak with managers etc. so they can be assured that it won’t disrupt the day-to-day work of their staff).

On a larger scale, if there’s a park, beach, hall that you can use to organise some type of fundraiser. Remember to do research and find out if you need permissions and if there are costs involved. Also, arrange it that there are is a variety which appeals to both adults and children alike.
This way, once again, you know where the money is going because you are choosing that charity.

For both of these remember to keep people involved. For example if you’ve done something at work email your colleagues with the funds raised and which charity (or charities) it is being donated towards. If you’ve organised something in your local town and have created social media pages to promote it then do the same on those platforms. Who knows, it could become an annual thing?

9. Go on a Road Trip with Friends
For now I think this would be within the UK but to be honest the destination isn’t really the point (having said that I’m sure there are a lot of lovely destinations within the UK so I’m not too worried). In my opinion the point of a road trip is to get together with some of your closest friends and just have a laugh together on the road.
I mean being in a close proximity car for so long will test your friendship because, let’s face it, everyone has annoying habits.
To be honest this just sounds like it would be so much fun! Again, something I just want to experience.

10. Go Fishing
Never in my life have I been fishing. I know a few people who go on a regular basis and they seem to enjoy it but I’ve never tried it myself. To be honest, I wouldn’t know where to begin. I can’t imagine I’d catch anything but that’s not really the point. The point is to try and a) see what all the fuss is about and b) to experience something new and, who knows? Maybe I’ll find something I really enjoy and want to do more often.

11. Greek Island Hopping
Greece is such a beautiful country with so much history and culture and Greek Island Hopping seems like an ideal way to soak everything in. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

12. VEGAS BABY!
I’m sorry I had to.
But I’ve never been to Vegas! Now, I’m not talking about going to Las Vegas and blowing all my money in a casino. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to go to a casino, just a little more responsibly. My main reason for wanting to go to Vegas is because I hear that there are so many other amazing things to do and see out there including, but not limited to, the hotels! These hotels just can’t be real. A couple of examples I’ve heard is a copy of an Eiffel Tower which is virtually part of the actual hotel, there’s ones which are based on New York City, Venice, Egypt and so much more! If only there were such a thing as Hotel Hopping?

13. Get My Drivers Licence
At the age of 22 I still don’t have my drivers license. Though to be fair I’ve never tried to obtain it. Where I live is pretty easy walking to most places (thankfully I live quite centrally) but it’s become increasingly clear that it would be useful to have one. Who knows? I may turn out to love it!

14. NaNoWriMo
For those who may not know NaNoWriMo is a writing project that occurs every year from 1st – 30th November. It helps keep you on track and motivates you, plus you can communicate with other writers and share knowledge, tips or ask for help with your own work.. Or so I’ve heard. I’ve only recently heard about NaNoWriMo but haven’t felt prepared enough to sign up yet.

15. Get a Tattoo
I’m not going to lie, I have no idea why this appeals to me so much! I’ve never been against other people having tattoos however, it wasn’t something I was ever interested in for myself. To be honest I figured I’d get bored easily and what if it went wrong etc. but lately the idea is so much more appealing. I have no idea what I’d get but some serious thought is going into it.

16. Lose Weight
Here’s something that’s on most peoples lists! And yes, I’m going to be cliché and add it to my own. The difference is I feel that I really should. I don’t feel bad about they way I am now (and no one should ever be made to feel bad about that) but I feel it’s time for a change and so I’m making it.
I recently joined slimming world (hence my last post) and from there you can tell it’s been a bit of a yo-yo journey however, I’m determined to stick with it and achieve my goal.

17. Get a better grade in Maths
Such a boring one, I know. I’ve always been a consistent D grade in maths, which is fine. So far it hasn’t hindered any job applications, and I feel I’m going to be at the place I am now for a long time. It’s a personal matter. I tried three times to upgrade my D to a C and, to be honest, I want that C. For any maths geniuses out there this may seem easy, but to me it’s a long time coming.

18. Be a consistent Blogger
I’ve only recently started blogging but I love it. It’s like my own little corner of the internet that I can do what I want, say what I want and post what I like – it’s a lot of fun! I’ve tried blogging before back when I was in school but never really stuck with it. I’d love to stick with this, documenting my thoughts, life, journey etc. Plus reading other peoples blogs, thoughts and opinions are so much fun! I’m so glad I started.

19. Go Paintballing
I have never been paintballing. So many people I know say they’ve been and said that, well first it hurts like hell! But the second is that it is so much fun and it sounds like so much fun! Definitely something I feel I’ve missed out on and will be rectifying soon.

20. Horseback Ride on the Beach
This sounds so cliché but so much fun! I’ve been Horseback Riding when I was younger but never on a beach, now that sounds like an experience!

21. Spa Day
…OK so doesn’t necessarily have to be on my Bucket List but I’m putting it there because why the hell not? A day totally dedicated to pampering ones self is sometimes just the ticket.

22. Weekend in New York
It was 6 years ago I went to New York and LOVED IT! It was incredible all the sights and lifestyle – I swear there was a Starbucks on every corner, I don’t drink coffee and that is impressive even to me!
So a weekend in New York, yes. However, what I really want is either a weekend at Christmas or literally from Christmas to New Years – how amazing does that sound?
Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas at home and couldn’t imagine spending it elsewhere (hence weekend around that time is more likely) but I can’t deny that would be something I’d never forget.

23. Take a Cooking Course
I want to know how to cook. Doesn’t have to be anything fancy or complicated. I can cook bits and pieces but I’d also like to be able to create dishes etc. To be honest it doesn’t have to be a course, I could literally just get some recipes and cook more often – but it does sound like fun and could give more ideas on what to make for yourself or friends!

24. Learn Basic Car Maintenance
So if I’m going to learn how to drive I should probably learn Basic Car Maintenance. No it isn’t essential but I’d like to be knowledgeable anyway. I may never need to know but it’s always handy to learn a new skill.

25. Get an Arsenal Season Ticket
…Did I just lose some people here?
I support Arsenal Football Club, yes. I would also love to own a Season Ticket! I can’t see this happening by 25 because the waiting list is so long but a girl can dream, right??

So that is my list of 25 Things to do By 25!
I hope you enjoyed reading the list and maybe gave some inspiration for your own Bucket Lists. I do have a lot more so there might be another on the way soon.

I have to say I don’t want to limit myself to just these things as there are so many other things I want to do, plus I have after I’m 25 to do a lot more. I don’t want to say I have to do these things by 25, I just think it would be nice and gives me something to work towards.

So my question to you is, what’s on your Bucket List? Do you have them? Do you hate them? I’d love to know your opinion!

A friend of mine and I normally do so many things to do before we turn whatever age. So for example, I am currently working on 25 things to do before I turn 25. She’s working on 26 things to do before turning 26. It’s a good way to keep perspective 🙂

That’s awesome! I love those kinds of lists, they’re so much fun to make and really make you think about what you want to achieve during that time.
Good Luck with your lists! Would be interested to hear what you have on there ☺️